Fashion publicist Carolyn Bessette-Kennedy became a style icon in the 1990s, to the extent that she rivalled Princess Diana’s impact.
Both married into royalty, one literally and the other figuratively; both died tragically young, and both knew how to dress casually.
So it’s no surprise that Carolyn’s style – which also had a place in the political world given that she was the spouse of John F Kennedy Jr – has inspired Meghan.
The Duchess of Sussex shared her admiration for Carolyn long before she married Prince Harry, describing Carolyn’s Narciso Rodriguez wedding dress as ‘everything goals’ and using it as inspiration for her own.
This minimalist aesthetic and refined simplicity is clearly reflected in the Duchess of Sussex’s own fashion choices.
In recent days, the Duchess of Sussex’s supporters have declared that she is ‘heading to the White House’ after her presidential-like visit to Nigeria with Prince Harry.
Experts have highlighted how she could just be a few steps from the US Presidency, so her style will be a crucial weapon if she does make a tilt into politics.
As is clear below, on numerous occasions Meghan has channelled particular outfits worn by Carolyn – who died alongside her husband in a plane crash in 1999 – at the peak of her fame.
White shirt and maxi skirt
In early 2019, Meghan attended the Endeavour Fund Awards in an ensemble that was straight out of the Carolyn Bessette Kennedy look book.
The duchess, who was pregnant with son Archie at the time, paired a Givenchy white button-down shirt with a floor-length black skirt.
It was strikingly similar to a look worn by Carolyn to a benefit gala in March 1999.
The former publicist tucked a men’s white shirt, its top buttons left undone like Meghan’s, into a long black skirt with a ruffled hem, both designed by Yohji Yamamoto.
Ripped Jeans
For her very first official public appearance as Prince Harry’s girlfriend in 2017, Meghan kept it casual in ripped Mother jeans and a crisp white oxford by Misha Nonoo.
A white button-down is universally considered a wardrobe staple, but the garment also happens to have been a fond favourite of Carolyn.
She dressed for Labour Day in 1996 in a similar oversized shirt with rolled up sleeves, ripped jeans, tousled hair and sunglasses.
Camel Skirt
For her first royal event after her engagement to Harry was announced, Meghan paid homage to an outfit Carolyn wore in a similarly pivotal public moment.
The looks may be over two decades apart, but the basic elements are all there: a black sweater, a camel midi skirt, and knee-high boots.
Carolyn wore her look in 1996 while making an appearance with her husband JFK Jr. outside their Tribeca apartment following her own wedding.
Meghan chose a Joseph skirt and Kurt Geiger to seemingly echo Carolyn’s appearance.
Asymmetric Neckline
Another aspect where Meghan Markle channels Carolyn is through her choice of sophisticated dresses that combine simplicity with a fashionable edge.
In 2018 she wore the Black Halo ‘Jackie O’ dress named after Carolyn’s mother-in-law – 1960s style icon and former US First Lady Jacqueline Kennedy Onassis.
It featured the same asymmetric neckline as the gown Carolyn wore to The White House in 1998.
Black t-shirt and jeans
Accessories play a crucial role in drawing the fashion parallel between the two icons.
Like Carolyn did, Meghan often dresses down in classic staples – such as at the Invictus Games in 2023 when she opted for a J Crew top and Frame skinny jeans.
The look was similar to Carolyn’s denim and t-shirt combination when she was spotted walking her dog shortly after her honeymoon in 1996.
Carolyn was known for her minimalist approach to accessories, often seen with simple gold hoops or a delicate chain necklace.
Meghan follows suit, usually opting for understated jewellery that complements her outfits without overwhelming them.
She appears to share with Carolyn the style philosophy that less is undeniably more.
Monochrome
Meghan also channels Carolyn in her love for monochromatic ensembles.
Carolyn was frequently seen in all-black or all-white outfits and Meghan has adopted a similar approach.
She often opts for monochrome looks that are both sophisticated and modern.
When launching her Smart Works charity collection in 2019, Meghan’s Jigsaw trousers and Misha Nonoo shirt were reminiscent of Carolyn’s ensemble at Hyannis Port in 1998.
Strapless
Markle’s preference for shoulder bearing strapless dresses is another nod to Carolyn’s influence.
Both women favour chic and polished dresses that emphasise structure and form.
For an appearance in 2016, Meghan dressed in Cedric Charlier, echoing Carolyn’s evening gala look at the Municipal Arts Society in 1998.
